The daughter diaries

Indian personalities come together for a noble cause — to support the girl child, and raise a toast to the nation’s daughters

Meri Beti Meri Shakti is a pictorial tribute to daughters and their importance. It features 41 images and anecdotes by celebrities as well as common individuals where they share stories about their daughter/parent.

The book has been conceptualised by Govind Nihalani, chairperson, Plan India Board while journalist Sathya Saran has conducted the interviews.

Plan India is an NGO that is working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, their families and communities.

The idea behind the book is to raise awareness about the value of girls in the family and to ensure that families treat girls equally, invest in girls through education and ensure that they get equal opportunities.

Javed Akhtar with daughter Zoya. He says, “I am proud that Zoya is not an echo, but has her own style.”

Aparna Sen with daughter (right) Konkana Sen Sharma. Says Konkana, “I admire her conviction. She lives life on her own terms.”

Kapil Dev with daughter Amiya. Kapil admits that he and his daughter talk about everything. “It’s an open connection,” he says.

Loy Mendonsa with (left) daughter Alyssa. Says Loy,“I tell her repeatedly that it is a long journey, and she must stay rooted.” Alyssa is trained in Carnatic and Western Classical music.

Mary Kom with her parents (left) Mangte Tonpa Kom and (right) Mangte Akham Kom. Her parents only learnt about her passion for boxing when they saw Mary Kom mentioned in the newspaper as the State Champion.

Prasoon Joshi with daughter Aishaanya. “She knows at once if I am upset, she is very observant,” he says.

Kanchan (right) is a sales girl at a retail store in Delhi. She shares a room with her mother Saroj (left). Says Saroj, “I want my daughter to stand on her feet and marry later.”